Weight checking apparatus



Jan. 28, 1964 w. s. THOMPSON ETAL 3,119,457

WEIGHT CHECKING APPARATUS Filed June 30, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q! INVENTORS m weuosu. smowson PAUL ESEABORN ATTORNEY Jan. 28, 1964 w. s. THOMPSON ETAL 3,119,457

WEIGHT CHECKING APPARATUS Filed June 30, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS WENDILL S. THOMPSON PAUL E. SEABORN ATTORNEY 1964 w. s. THOMPSON ETAL 3,

WEIGHT CHECKING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 226 INVENTORS wsnnsu. s. THOMPSON PAUL. E.5EABORN BY MM ATTORNEY Filed June 50, 1959 1964 w. s. THOMPSON ETAL 3,119,457

WEIGHT CHECKING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS WENDELL s. THOMPSON PAUL E. SEABORN BY M kfifi w MON OON Filed June 30. 1959 ATTO R N EY 1964 w. s. THOMPSON ETAL 3,119,457

' WEIGHT CHECKING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 30, 1959 MGM INVENTORS WENDELL S. THOMPSON PAUL E. SEABORN BYM W' Qhm mmm Nmm mm a mu m-hlhfil ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,119,457 WIEEGHT CHEQKENG APPARATUS Wendell S. Thompson, Los Gates, and Paul E. See-born, Campbell, Caliih, assignors to FMC Corporation, a con poration of Delaware Filed June 3th, 1959, Ser. No. 823,834 Claims. (Cl. 177-445) The present invention appertains to weight checking apparatus and more particularly to an improved scale for weight checking apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved weight checking apparatus.

Another object is to provide an improved high speed weight checking apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for weighing and segregating a continuously advancing succession of articles, which apparatus is sensitive to relatively small differences of weight from a predetermined weight requirement.

Another object is to provide a scale having a depressible scale platform and improved means for accurately positioning the platform for receiving articles successively advanced thereacross.

Another object is to provide a preloading device for the scale of a weight checking apparatus.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the weight checking apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan of the weight checking apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of a scale unit removed from the weight checking apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged vertical section taken along line 66 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged horizontal section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuits employed in the weight checking apparatus of the present invention.

The high speed weight checking apparatus A (FIGS. 1-3) of the present invention comprises a continuously operated feed conveyor B that receives, in succession, spaced apart articles such as packages filled with produce. Packages received by the feed conveyor B are transferred onto a continuously operated conveyor 26) of a weighing device C. The conveyor 25) advances the spaced apart packages in succession over a weighing platform 25 (FIG. 4) of the weighing device C to impose the weight of the packages individually upon the platform 25. Successive packages are spaced apart a sufficient distance so that only one package at a time advances across the plaform 25.

The platform 25 is supported for movement in a vertical direction and is depressible under the weight of a package imposed thereon. A torsion bar assembly 36) (FIGS. 2, 6 and 7) preloads the platform 25 to a predetermined value whereby a package of a weight in excess of the preload value deflects the platform 25 by an amount representative of the overweight of the package advancing thereacross. Since the conveyor 2b is continuously driven, the platform 25 is of sufficient length so that each package is supported individually thereon for a period of time enabling the platform 25 to react fully to the weight of a package. In addition, the space between successively "ice advancing packages is adequate to permit the platform to return to its no load position.

Associated with the weighing device C is an electromechanical transducer (FIGS. 5 and 7) that translates the deflection of the platform 25, under the weight or" a package, into a voltage signal. The signal produced by the transducer 35 is representative of the difference between the weight of the package and the preload value. Adjacent the discharge end of the scale platform 25 is mounted a suitable source of light, such as a lamp (FIG. 2), which projects a beam of light transversely to the path of travel of the packages. In the path of the projected light is a phototube that is operative to send out a control signal each time the light beam is interrupted by a package advancing beyond the discharge end of the platform 25.

An electronic control unit D, disposed at the lower right hand end of the machine (FIG. 1), receives the signals transmitted by the transducer 35 and the phototube 45, and controls the operation of a reject mechanism 5% of a discharge conveyor E. It will thus be seen that weighed packages are continuously delivered in succession by the conveyor 2d of the weighing device C to the discharge conveyor E. Packages meeting a prescribed weight requirement are transferred by the discharge conveyor E to a loading platform, not shown, while packages failing to meet the prescribed weight requirement are segregated by the reject mechanism 5t} of the discharge conveyor E for transfer onto a reject platform, not shown.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the weight checking apparatus A includes a support table having four corner posts 56-59, two longitudinal side channels er and 62, and two transverse channels 64 and 65 (FIG. 3), all secured together, as by welding or bolting, to form a rigid support structure. The feed conveyor B, the scale C, and the reject unit E are mounted on separate frame structures 7t), 72 and 74 (FIGS. 1 and 3), respectively, each of which is bolted to the longitudinal channel members 61 and 62 of the table. The frame 7th is a welded structure compising a transverse tubular member 75, a transverse channel 76, and two longitudinal tubular members 77 and 73 (FIG. 2). The frames 72 and 74 are similar welded structural members. Since each frame is an independent unit, it will be seen that each sub assembly may be quickly and easily removed for servicing or replacement.

Two longitudinally extending, transversely spaced support members or beams 82 and 33 are mounted on the upper surface of the frame iii, the member 82. being in alignment with similar support members 8251 and 8211 on the frames 72 and '74 respectively, and the member 83 being in alignment with support members 83a and diet; of the frames 72 and '74-. A horizontal plate 85 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is mounted in spaced relation above the frame by brackets 86 that are secured to and project upwardly from the frame 7%. A U-shaped bracket 87 (FIG. 1) has side walls 87a and 87b welded to the longitudinal members 82 and 33 respectively of the frame 7d and has a base $70 on which a drive motor 9% of the feed conveyor B is mounted. Fixed to the drive shaft 91 of motor 9t) is a drive pulley 92. A drive belt 93 is trained around the pulley 92 and around a pulley 94 which is fixed to a shaft 95 for rotating the same. The shaft 95 is supported for rotation by the side walls of the U-shaped plate 87. Mounted on the shaft 95 for rotation therewith is a transverse drive roller 1% (FIGS. 2 and 3) which is keyed to the shaft 95 by suitable means (not shown).

The feed conveyor B comprises a pair of transversely spaced, relatively narrow endless belts 101 and 102, each of which is trained around the drive roller 1G0, and around two similar elongated transverse rollers N3 and 1M. Suitable upstanding brackets lit? and 111 (FIG.

2) are mounted on longitudinally spaced transverse bars 113 and 114, respectively and support the rollers 1113 and 1114 for rotation. The transverse bar 113 is secured to the longitudinal beams 82 and 83, and bar 114 is secured to beams 82a and 83a. The horizontal runs 1131a and 1112a. of belts 1111 and 1122 support spaced apart packages and advance the packages in the direction shown by the arrow 112 (FIG. 1). Mounted on the fixed support plate 85 below the runs 1191a and 111%, respectively, are longitudinally extending runners 115 and 116 (FIGS. 1 and 3) that can be adjusted to vary the transverse distance therebetween. Suitable guide rails, not shown, are mounted on the support plate 3:3 outwardly of the runners 115 and 116, respectively.

For controlling the tension on the belts 1111 and 102., flanged take-up rollers 121D and 121 (FIGS. 2 and 3) have the belts 1111 and 1112, respectively, trained therearound. The flanged rollers 121i and 121 are mounted for sliding and rotary movement on a shaft 122 that is supported by depending side plates 123 and 124. The side plates 123 and 124 have slotted, horizontally extending flanges which are adjustably supported by the horizontal plate 35 (FIG. 2) for longitudinal movement. For this purpose, suitable longitudinally disposed slots 125 and 126 are formed in the upper surfaces of the plates 123 and 124 to receive bolts 127 and 123, which are also received by suitable tapped openings 129 and 131 of the plate 85.

The transverse distance between the runs 101a and 11120 of the endless belts 1111 and 1152, respectively, may

be varied to accommodate diflerent size packages. Toward this end, threaded shafts 135 and 136 (FIG. 2) are supported for rotation by the two spaced brackets 11% and by a central block 137 which is secured to the transverse bar 113. In threaded engagement with the shafts 135 and 1136, respectively, are two spaced sleeves 142 (FIG. 2). As seen in FIG. 3, each sleeve 142 has a bifurcated projection 143 disposed in sliding engagement with the fixed transverse bar 113. Each sleeve 142 carries a rotatable flanged roller 144- around which one of the endless belts 1111 or 1M is trained. By rotating the threaded shafts 135 and 136, when the feed conveyor B is operating, the sleeves 142 and the flanged rollers carried thereon can be adjusted toward or away from each other to vary the transverse distance between the endless conveyor belts 1111 and 1112.

Spaced packages are advanced on the horizontal runs 101a and 1192a of the feed conveyor B for discharge onto the conveyor 21? of the weighing device C. The conveyor 21) comprises transversely spaced, relatively narrow endless belts 145 and 146 (FIGS. 2 and 3) that are trained around the roller d of the feed conveyor B to be continuously driven thereby. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the roller 1114 is mounted adjacent the feed end of the weighing platform of the weighing device C, Adjacent the discharge end of the platform 25 is disposed a transverse roller 15% which is supported for rotation by brackets 151. The brackets 151 are mounted on the longitudinal beams 82a and 83a. The transverse roller 1511, in conjunction with the roller 1114, supports horizontal runs 145a and 14 6a of the conveyor belts 145 and 146, respectively, which horizontal runs are disposed inwardly of the horizontal runs 10 1421 and 102a of conveyor B and are disposed at the same elevation as the runs 101a and 1112a to effect a smooth transfer of spaced packages from the feed conveyor B to the weighing device C.

A horizontal plate 153 (FIG. 3) is connected between the side channels 61 and as of the table 55 and, mounted on the plate 153 are two longitudinally spaced, upstanding brackets 155 and 156 (FIGS. 1 and 3) that support shafts 157 and 158, respectively, for rotation. Freely mounted on the shaft 157 are transversely spaced, flanged idler rollers 16th and 161 (FIG. 5) and freely mounted on the shaft 158 are transversely spaced, flanged idler rollers 162 and 163 (Pl-G. 2). The endless conveyor belt is trained around the rollers 16% and 162, while the endless conveyor-belt 146 is trained around the rollers 161 and 163. A pressure roller 165 (FIG. 3) is supported by the brackets 111 and is disposed adjacent the roller 1114 to engage the runs of the belts 145 and 146 that are trained around the roller 1%.

For controlling the tension on the belts 145 and 14-6, the belts are trained around a transverse take-up roller 166 (FIGS. 2 and 3) which is supported for rotation by brackets 167 and 163 (FIG. 2) that are in turn supported by the longitudinal beams 82a and 33a, respectively. Suitable longitudinally extendings slots 170 (only one shown in FIG. 3) are formed in the beams $211 and 83a, respectively, which receive screws 172 for adjustably positioning the brackets 167 and 168 longitudinally of the machine.

The transverse distance between the runs 145a and 145a of the endless belts 145 and 1 56, respectively, may be varied to accommodate different size packages. Toward this end, threaded shafts 181} and 181 (FIG. 5) are supported for rotation by the brackets 111 and by a central block 179 which is rigid with the transverse bar 114. In threaded engagement with the shafts 180 and 181, respectively, are sleeves 183 and 18 (FIGS. 57) that have bifurcated projections which slidably engage the transverse bar 11 1 for movement in the transverse direction. Mounted on the sleeves 1 33 and 1 34 are bearings (such as hearing 171 of FIG. 8) for supporting flanged rollers 185 and 186, respectively for rotation relative to the sleeves. Trained around the flanged rollers 155 and 185 are the endless belts 145 and 145, respectively. By rotating the threaded shafts 1'80 and 181, when the conveyor Ell is operating, the transverse distance between the rollers 185 and 186 can be adjusted to vary the transverse distance between conveyor belts 145 and 145.

The horizontal runs 145a and 146a of the conveyor 20 receive spaced packages from the feed conveyor B and advance the packages continuously in succession across the platform 25 to impose the weight of the packages individually upon the platform 25. The distance between successive packages is arranged so that only one package at a time advances across the platform 25. The plat form 25 comprises upright, triangular side members 1% and 11 1 (FIG. 4) with horizontal legs 13hr: and 191a forming transversely spaced runners or races for the horizontal runs 145a and 146a, respectively (FIG. 4), of the endless belts 1 15' and 146. The remaining legs 1913b and 111% of the side member 1% form a junction below the midpoint between the ends of the leg 1911a. In a similar manner, the remaining legs 19112 and 1110 of the side member 191 form a junction below the midpoint between the ends of the leg 191a. Depending from the runner 1919a are longitudinally spaced ears 195' and 1%. In transverse alignment with the ears 1% and 196 are longitudinal, spaced ears 117 and 1% that depend from the runner 191a. interconnecting the ears of the runners li ht: and 191a are transversely disposed rods 261i and 2111. Centrally located relative to the transverse distance between the runners 1119a and 191a, as well as to the ends of the runners 1911a and 1910, is an inverted U- shaped plate 2192 which has suitable openings in the side walls thereof to receive the rods 2.111) and 201. The upper surface of the plate is lower in elevation than the upper surfaces of the runners 1111a and 19112. Rigid with the undersurface of the horizontal portion of the plate 231 2 is a depending tubular column or post 2113 (FIG. 3). The tubular column 263 is located so that its axis is centrally positioned relative to the transverse distance between the runners 1911a and 191a, as well as to the ends of the runners 1911a and 191a. At the junction of the legs 1%]; and 19110 of the side member 191 is a hub 204 (FIG. 4) and at the junction of the legs- 111b and 1910 of the side member 191 is a hub 2115 QFIG. 4). Interconnecting the hubs d and 2&5 is a rod 2% that is received by a suitable opening in the tubular column 2&3. The transverse distance between the runners 199a and 191a may be varied to accommodate different size packages by sliding the side members 1% and Mil on the rods Elli 2M and 2% in the transverse direction toward or away from one another. Suitable clamp collars M7 (FIG. 5) may be mounted on the rods lilltl and 2d]. to retain the side members 1% and 1% in adjusted positions.

To protect the operating mechanism mounted below the weighing platform 25, a horizontal mounting plate 21% (FIGS. 5 and 7) is fixed to the upper surfaces of the beams $241 and Kid. A suitable opening Elba is provided in the plate 216 to permit free vertical movement of the tubular column 263.

The platform is supported by two longitudinally extending side mounting plates 211 and 21?. (FIGS. 3 and 5) which are secured by suitable brackets 268 and ass (FIGS. 5 and 6) to the beams 82a and 83a, respectively. Secured to the upper surfaces of the side plates 211 and 212 are transversely spaced, upstanding brackets 213 (FIG. 1) and 2M- (PlG. 7) that mount a transverse angle bar 215 (FIGS. 4 and 7). Anchored to the angle bar 215 are transversely spaced upper leaf springs 216 and 217 (FIG. 4) that extend in the direction of travel of the packages advanced by the conveyor Ztl. At its other end, each of the parallel leaf springs 21d and 217 is secured by means of a mounting block 213 and by screws to the runners ll9la and 19in, respectively. The blocks are fixed to the leaf springs by suitable means such as epoxy resin. When the transverse space between the runners l'dila and llfila is varied, the anchored ends of the leaf spring 216 and 217 are similarly shifted. To ward this end, transverse slots 2269-22.? are provided in the angle bar 215 to receive suitable screws that anchor the leaf springs 2M and 217 to the angle bar 2T5 by means of blocks, such as block 21% of P16. 7. The blocks are secured to the leaf springs by suitable means, such as epoxy resin. Secured between lower portions of the side plates Zll and 2-12. is a transverse bar 22d (FIGS. 5-7) having a leaf spring 226 anchored thereto. The lower leaf spring 226 is horizontally disposed and extends longitudinally in the general direction of travel of the packages advanced by the conveyor Ed in parallel relation with the leaf springs 216 and 217. At the outer end thereof, the leaf spring 226 is secured by means of a block 227 (P16. 7) and by screws to the lower end of the tubular column 2'33.

From the foregoing, it is to be observed that the weighing platform 25 is supported by leaf springs 216, 217 and 226 for movement in a vertical direction. The horizontal force produced by a package advancing across the weighing platform 25 does not influence the depression of the weighing platform and the depression of the weighing platform 25 is not a function of the position of the package advancing thereacross. The runners 190a and 191:! are of sufficient length to permit the weighing device C to react fully to the weight of the individual package advancing continuously across the platform 25 and the space between successive packages is adequate to per mit the platform 25 to return to its no load position. The contact area between the conveyor belts M5 and 14-6 and the packages is minimized, and also the contact area between the platform 25 and conveyor belts 1M5 and 114-6 is reduced to improve the accuracy of the weighing device C.

The weighing device C is preloaded by the torsion bar assembly 39 (FIGS. 57), so that the scale platform 25 is depressed when a package advancing thereacross is of a weight in excess of a predetermined preload value. The torsion bar assembly Bill is supported by the side plates 2H and 212 (FIG. 6) which having suitable openings for mounting bearings 23% and 231, respectively. Journalled for rotation by the bearings 23% and 231 are end caps 232 and 233, respectively, of a tubular housing 234.

At opposite ends of the tubular housing 234 are end plugs and 236, which are fixed to the tubular housing 234 by set screws 229. Mounted within the tubular housing by means of the end plugs 23S and 236 is a torsion bar 237. The end portions of the torsion bar 237 are square in cross sectional area and are received by square central openings 235a and ass; in the plugs and 2.3-6. Midway between its ends, the torsion bar 237 has a drive portion of square cross section which receives a hub 238 (FIG. 7) in driving engagement. A tapped sleeves is secured, as by soldering to the hub, and a setscrew is threaded through the sleeve to bear against the torsion bar 237 to prevent movement of the hub on the bar. The sleeve 239 is secured by resin in the end of a beam-loading tube 24-1 which has an arm fitted thereto, which is received by a suitable opening in the tubular column A suspension linkage 243 (FlGS. 5 and 7) in the form of piano wire is supported by the arm 242. At its lower end the wire is secured to a spool 24-4 that is secured by a setscrew in a plate extending transversely in the inner tubular Wall of the column For applying a turning force to the end portions of the torsion bar 237, the tubular housing 234- is fixed by a set screw to the hub of a gear (FIG. 6) that meshes with a gear 2 -36. The gear 246 is fixed to a shaft 24-7 of a conventional gear type speed reduction unit Coupled to the shaft is a rod 251 that passes through the side walls of the beam and has secured thereto an adjusting knob (FIG. 1). The gear reduction unit 250 is supported by the side mounting plate Zlll.

Thus, the rotation of the adjusting knob 252 imparts a turning movement to the tubular housing 23-4 through the gear reduction unit 2% and the gears and 24-5. The tubular housing 234-, in turn, applies a turning force to the end portions of the torsion bar 237 by means of the plugs 23% and The direction of rotation of the tubular housing 23 5- is such that the torsion bar 237 transmits a force to the sleeve through the hub 23% to cause the tube 241, the arm 2 5?; and the suspension linkage M3 to urge the tubular column Ell-3 upwardly.

Bolted to the side plates 2-11 and 222 is an upright, transversely extending mounting plate 255 (FIG. 7) that has a suitable opening for receiving the tube 241 of the torsion bar assembly 3d Rigid with the lower portion of the mounting plate 255 is a stop plate 256 that projects through a suitable opening in the tubular column 2%. At the lowermost end of the tubular column 2-33 is fitted a plug 257 having an internally threaded base for receiving a stop screw 258. The plug 257 is secured to the column 2633 by means of screws. The stop screw 258 projects into the tubular column to engage the lower surface of the stop plate 256 and can be adjusted to vary the height thereof.

To accurately adiust the preloading of the weighing device C under no-load condition, the stop screw 2% is adjusted until the upper end thereof engages the stop plate 256. Thereupon, the knob 252 is rotated to impart a turning movement to the tubular housing 234 in a manner previously described. The housing 234, in turn, imparts a rotating force to the ends of the torsion bar 237. The center of the torsion bar 237 is connected to the tubular column 2533 by means of the hub 238, tube 241, arm 24-2, the suspension linkage 243 and spool 24-4 to urge the tubular column upwardly. However, the tubular column 2&3 is limited in its upward movement, since the stop plate 256 is in abutting engagement with the stop screw 25%. This action enables the rotation of the knob 252 to set a desired preload in the torsion bar 237. Accordingly, the scale platform will not be moved downwardly under a load that is less than the preload value.

For damping oscillations and vibrations of the weighing device C, a damping assembly 259 (FIG. 5) is secured 7 by a suitable bracket 261 to the stationary vertical mounting plate 255. The damping assembly 25? includes a vessel 2x52 containing a suitable viscous fluid. A cap 263 is secured in threaded engagement to the vessel and has a centrally disposed aperture through which a threaded rod sea is freely movable. The lower end of the rod 264 has secured thereto a suitable paddle, not shown, While the upper end of the threaded rod is carried by an arm 2:65 of a horizontal support bracket 266. The bracket 256 is fixed to the tubular column 2 33 for movement therewitl. Thus, the rod moves in a vertical direction with the movement of the scale platform 25. Since the movement of the paddle on the rod 264 is resisted by the fluid within the vessel 262, any tendency for weighing device C to vi rate is effectively minimized by the damping assembly The electromechanical transducer (FIG. 5), which translates the movement of the Weighing platform 25 into voltage signals, comprises a detector transformer 2% and a suitable source of excitation current, such as an oscillator 271 (FIG. 9). The detector transformer 27% includes a movable core 272., which is attached to a threaded rod 274 (FIG. 5) carried by an arm 273 of the mounting bracket A lock nut retains the threaded core in adjusted position on the bracket Thus, the movable core 272 (FIG. 9) moves in a vertical direction with the movement of the weighing platform 25. In addition, the detector transformer 27% comprises a primary winding 2% and two secondary windings 2'77 and 2'73. The primary winding and the secondary windings 2?? and are mounted in fixed position within a suitable cylindrical housing 2% (FIG. 7) that is secured to the stationary vertical plate 255 by means of a bracket 28 It is to be observed that the core 272 moves with the deflection of the scale platform 25 and is disposed centrally of the transformer windings for vertical movement relative thereto.

As hereinbefore indicated, the detector transformer 27% with th oscillator 2'71 is an electromechanical transducer that translates the linear deflection of the weighing platform 25 into a voltage signal. For this purpose, the primary winding 276 (FIG. 9) is energized by the oscillator 271, which is a source of excitation voltage. When the primary winding 2.76 is energized by the oscillator 271, voltages are induced in the secondary windings 277 and 278, respectively. The secondary windings 277 and 273 are connected in series opposition. Consequently, the two voltages induced in the secondary windings 277 and 278 are opposite in phase and the net voltage across the output of the secondary windings 2 77 and 278 is the diiference of the two voltages. In the electrical center position of the core 272, the net output is zero. This is called the balance point or null position. As the core 272 is moved from the null position, the voltage induced in the secondary winding toward which the core 272 is moved increases, while the voltage induced in the other secondary winding decreases. This produces a differential vol age across the output of the secondary windings 2'77 and 278, which varies linearly with the change in core position. Movement of the core 72 in an opposite direction beyond the null position produces a similar linear voltage characteristic, but with the phase of the output voltage shifted 180.

When the weighing platform 25 is in the underpressed position, which is the no load condition, the core 272 is disposed relative to the windings 277 and 2'75 so that a desired output voltage is produced across the secondary windings 277 and 278. This is accomplished by rotating the threaded rod 274 of the core 272 to adjust the position of the core 272 relative to the windings of the detection transformer 27%. When a package advancing across the weighing platform 25 is of a weight equal to or less than the preload value, the resultant movement of the weighing platform 25, any, is insufiicient to displace the core 272 in a manner to materially alter the output voltage of the detector transformer 2767. However, the platform 25, when receiving thereon a package of a weight in excess of the preload value, moves the core 272 sufficiently to effect a material voltage change in the output of the transformer 27%. It is to be observed, however, that the detector transformer 27ft detects the magnitude of linear descent of the weighing platform 25 and produces a signal indicative of such magnitude. This, of course, is a function of the amount by which the weight of a package advancing across the platform 25 exceeds the predetermined preload value.

Adjacent the discharge end of the platform 25 is mounted the lamp ill (FIGS. 2 and 9), which is con nected to a suitable source of electrical power, not shown. The lamp is supported by a bracket 2% (FIG. 1) that is rigid with the beam 82 a and continuously projects a beam of light transversely to the direction of travel of the packages and in the path of packages leaving the platform 25. The phototube (FIGS. 2 and 9) is mounted on a bracket 293i (Fl-G. 3) that is rigid with the beam $3a and is disposed in the path of the beam of light projected by the lamp Each time a package advances beyond the discharge end of the platform 25, the beam of light projected toward the phototube 45 is interrupted and the phototube 4-5 is operative to effect a control signal.

Packages advanced by the conveyor 24 of the weighing device C are delivered in succession to the discharge mechanism E (FIGS. 1-3). The discharge mechanism E comprises a pair of angle side members Mill and 3M, which are bolted to the beams 82b and 8311, respectively. In the upper surfaces of the vertical arms 360a and 361a of the angle side members Still and Edi are formed series of upwardly-opening semi-cylindrical, spaced openings sea and Seated within the openings 3% and 303 are series of bearings for supporting series of transverse shafts Sti l and 3%, respectively, for rotation. Screwed to the upper surfaces of the side members 330 and 301 are caps in the form of straps 366 and 3497, respectively, that have semi-circular openings complementary to the openings 3G2 and fall? for retaining the shaft supporting bearings in their seated positions. Mounted on the shafts 3M and fill-d for rotation therewith are rollers 36% and Elli respectively, which are spaced apart on the shafts by spacer members interposed between adjacent rollers.

Between the series of shafts 3M and the series of shafts 3% is located a reject door or gate 315 of the reject assembly St). The reject door 315 includes a shaft 316 that is supported for rotation in the manner previously described in connection with the shafts 3M- and 3%. Welded to the shaft Site for movement therewith is a plurality of transversely-spaced, longitudinally-extending rigid ribs 317 that are interconnected by a transverse rod 318. The ribs 317 extend from the shaft 3% to the closest shaft Fill l, thereby occupying the space between the series of rollers 3 33 and the series of rollers 309. Keyed to the shaft 315 for imparting pivotal movement thereto is a lever arm 32 9 that is pivotally connected intermediate the ends of a link 3211. The link 3231 is pivotally connected at one end to the plunger of a solenoid 325 and, at the other end, the link 321 is connected to a spring 322. The spring 322 is anchored to a bracket 323 that is bolted to a support plate 326, which is rigid with the side plate 36 1 and supports the solenoid 325.

Packages are transferred in succession from the conveyor 2t? of Weighing device C to the discharge mechanism E. If the solenoid 325 is deenergized, the packages discharged onto the discharge mechanism E Will advance under their own momentum across the rollers 368, the reject door 315, and the rollers 399 to a loading platform, not shown. When the solenoid 325 is energized, the link 321 pivots the arm 320 which, in turn, pivots the reject door 315 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3) about the axis of the shaft 3%. The solenoid 325 is energized in a manner to be described hereinbelow when the package discharged by the conveyor 2d fails to meet a prescribed weight requirement. When a package failing to meet the prescribed weight requirement is discharged from the conveyor 20, the package advances across the rollers 368 under its own momentum and drops through the open reject door onto a chute 330 (FIG. 3) for transfer onto a reject platform, not shown. The chute 3% is supported by suitable brackets 351, which are mounted on the frame unit 74 so that its receiving end is below the reject door 315. The solenoid 325 is deenergized before the succeeding package is discharged by the conveyor 2t and the shaft 316 is returned to its initial position under the action of the spring 322 so that the reject door is again occupying the space between the rollers 398 and the rollers 3%.

The energization of the solenoid 325 is controlled by the electronic control unit D (FIG. 9), which is operatively responsive to the signals transmitted by the detector transformer 270 and the phototube 45. As previously described, the signal transmitted by the detector transformer 27% is of a magnitude representative of the difference between the weight of a package advancing across the platform 25 and the preload force transmitted by the torsion bar assembly 39. The control signal emitted by the phototube 45 indicates that a weighed package has its leading edge advancing beyond the weighing platform 25.

The oscillator 2'71, which excites the primary Winding 276 of the detector transformer 27%, produces a constant 2 kc. signal and is of the type referred to as a Colpitts oscillator. Included in the oscillator 271 is a triode tube 350 that receives its plate voltage from a suitable positive power supply 351 over a conductor 352. The tank circuit for the oscillator 2-71 comprises inductance coil 355 and capacitors 356, 357 and 353. To obtain a desired output voltage, the capacitors 357 and 358 are employed as voltage dividers. A capacitor see is provided to prevent direct current from being short circuited through the inductance coil 355, while permitting free passage of the alternating current component of the plate current. Resistors 361 and 362 produce the grid bias from the direct current component of the grid current. Inductance coil 363, capacitor 364 and resistor 365 form a decoupling network to isolate the 2 kc. oscillations from the power supply 351. The output signal of the oscillator 271 is produced across a resistor 366, which is connected to the primary winding 276 of the detector transformer 27h by way of a conductor 367. The construction and operation of the detector transformer 27 has been previously described in detail.

Across the secondary windings 2'77 and 2'78 of the detector transformer 27% is produced the output voltage signal of the detector transformer 27%], which is representative of the weight or" a package advancing across the platform 25 of the weighing device C. The output voltage signal from the electromechanical transducer 35 is fed to a suitable audio amplifier 37h by Way of a conductor 3'71 and a resistor 372. Included in the amplifier 376 are four stages 3'75, 3576, 3'77 and 37$, which are connected in cascade. The amplifier stage 378 is a cathode follower, which supplies an output signal to an alternating current recorder 38% over a path including conductor 381, capacitor 332 and switch 383. In case a direct current recorder is employed, the switch 333 is actuated to close contacts 3183b and to open contacts 333:: for connecting a rectifier circuit 3% between the output of the cathode follower 37S and the input of the direct current recorder.

To compensate for nonlinearity in the amplifier 37th, a portion of the output signal from the amplifier stage 377 is fed back to the input stage 375 of the amplifier 376 through a feedback resistor 385 by way of a conductor 386. The remaining portion of the output signal from the stage 377 of the amplifier 357i is fed to a weight classifying circuit 3%, which comprises thyratron tubes 3% and 392.

The thyratron tubes 391 and 3% of the classifying circuit 3% are progressively biased to cut-oil. Stated otherwise, the bias on the grid of the thyratron tube 392 is more negative than the bias on the grid of the thyraton tube 391. For biasing the thyratron tube 391 to cut-off, the grid Eihla thereof is connected to a negative power supply over the following path: power supply 393, conductor potentiometer center tap 395a, conductor 3%, resistor I597, resistor 3% and the grid 391a of the thyratron tube 391. To bias the thyratron tube 392 to cut-oil, the grid 392a thereof is connected to the negative power supply 393 in the following manner: power supply 393, conductor potentiometer diltl, center tap dulla, resistor 4 Q2 and the grid 39251 of the thyratron tube 392.

As previously mentioned, the output signal from the stage 377 of the amplifier 37b) is fed to the weight classifying circuit For impressing the output signal of the audio amplifier 37% on the grid 391a of the thyratron tube the following path is established: amplifier stage 377, conductor conductor ll, capacitor 412, resistor 393 and the grid of the thyratron tube 391. Simultaneously, the output signal of the audio amplifier 370 is also impressed on the grid 592a of the thyratron tube 392 over the following path: amplifier stage 377, conductor dill, conductor 413, capacitor resistor ill/2 and the grid 35 2a of the thyratron tube 3%.

By varying the settings of the center taps 395a and than of the potentiometers and 4%, respectively, the firing of the thyratron tubes 3" and 392 is controlled to enable the classifying circuit to operate in a manner to classify each packa e advancing across the scale platform 25 in accordance th its weight. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pctentiometers 3%5 and are adjusted so that the thyratron tubes 3% and 392 do not conduct when the signal transmitted by the audio am lifier 37d is representative of the Weight of an underweight package. The potentiometers 395 and dtlil are further adjusted so that only the thyratron tube 391 conducts when the output signal of the audio amplifier 370 is representative of the weight of a package meeting a desired Weight requirement. This is accomplished by making the bias on the thyratron tube 3%. If the signal transmitted by the audio amplifier 3'76 is representative of the weight of an overweight package, both thyratron tubes and will fire.

Connected to the plate will) of the thyratron tube 391 s a relay did that is energized while the thyratron tube conducts. A relay is connected to the plate 3%!) of the thyraton tube 392 and is energized while the thyratron tube 392 conducts. The contacts of relays 420 and 3d prepare energizing circuits for the solenoid 3'25 (FIGS. and 3). An underweight solenoid 32551, a desired weight solenoid 3925b, and an overweight solenoid 3250 are shown to illustrate the various connections that may be utilized for the gate-actuating solenoid 325. The solenoid may be connected either as solenoid 325a, 3251) or 325a so that the packages segregated by way of the chute (FIG. 3) will either be underweight packages, desired weight packages or overweight packages dependent upon whether the solenoid 325 is connected to the electronic control unit D as solenoid 3250, 32% or 325C.

For operating the solenoid 3255 as a package is discharged onto the conveyor E and for extinguishing the conducting thyratron tubes of the classifying circuit 3% as a package is se regated by the reject mechanism Stl a plototube relay timing circuit 4% is provided. The timing circuit 4 th includes a cathode-coupled multivibrator that comprises triode tubes 441 and 4 52. The tube 441 of the multivib'rator is normally biased to cut-off, while the tube 442 of the multivibrator is normally conducting. in the plate circuit of the triode tube 442 is a relay 459. Since the tube is normally conducting, the relay 450 is normally energize As a package is discharged from the weighing platform 25 onto the conveyor E, the package interrupts the light beam projected by the lamp 40 toward the pho-totube 45.

When the light beam is interrupted, the phototube 45 emits a control signal that is impressed on the grid 4431:: of the triode tube over the following path: grid Att la, resistor 46%, resistor iel, conductor 462, phototube 45, conductor ass and ground. "he control signal is of sufficient magnitude to cause the triode tube 441 to conduct, thereby rendering the triode tube 442 non-conductive. As a consequence thereof, the relay 459 in the plate circuit of the tube 442 is deenergized and the voltage on the grid 442a of the triode tube rises exponentially. When the grid-to-cathode voltage on the tube 442 reaches a sufficient magnitude, the tube once again conducts and the tube 441 is rendered non-conductive. The interval of time it takes for the tricde tube 442 to return to its initial state is dependent upon the time constant of resistor 47d, variable resistor di l and capacitor 472. Therefore, the variable resistor 4'71 is adjusted so that the time interval between the transmission of the control signal by the phototube 45 and the return of the relay iiltl to its normally energized state is commensurate with the time it takes for a package to advance from a point where it interrupts the beam of light projected toward the phototube 45 to a point beyond the reject door 335 of the reject mechanism E.

Upon the deenergization of the relay 4%, contacts 252 close and contacts 453 open. The closing of contacts 452 completes the energizing circuit to operate the solenoid 325 when the energizing circuit for the solenoid is prepared for operation by the classifying circuit 3%. The opening of contacts 453 permits a capacitor in the plate circuit of the thyratron tube 391 to charge to the plate potential, when the thyratron tube 391 is conducting, over the following path: ground, thyratron tube 391, capacitor resistor d312, resistor 433, conductor 43 i and the power supply 351. Similarly, the opening of the contacts 453 permits a capacitor in the plate circuit of the thyr-atron tube 35 2 to charge to the plate potential, when the thyratron tube 392 is conducting, over the following path: ground, thyratron tube 3%, capacitor dbl, resistor 435, resistor d253, conductor 48d, and the power supply 351. It is to be observed that a capacitor 49%? at one end is connected to the junction of the resistors 482 and 485 and at the other end, it is connected to ground. When the relay 45% is deenergized, the contacts 4 5?. break so that the capacitor is between ground and the junction of the resistors and 435. However, when the relay 458 is returned to the energized state at the end of the timing cycle, the capacitor 4% is shorted by the closing of the contacts 452. This results in an instantaneous negative peak voltage appearing across a conducting thyraton, whereby the conducting thyratron is extinguished to permit its grid to regain control over the conduction thereof.

In the operation of the weight checking apparatus A of the present invention, packages are placed on the transversely spaced belts llll and M92 of the continuously operated conveyor B with the longitudinal axis of the packages disposed itnansversely to the direction of travel of the belts lbl and 162. The conveyor B transfers the packages onto the conveyor 2d of the weighing device C in spaced apart relation so that only one package at a time is supported by the Weighing platform 25 and so that the time interval between packages is adequate to permit the weighing device C to return to its undepressed position.

The conveyor advances the spaced packages in a continuous procession over the platform 25, which descends when the weight of the package thereon exceeds the preload force transmitted by the torsion bar assembly 3%). When the platform descends under the weight of a package advancing thereacnoss, it causes displacement of the core 272 of the detector transformer 27'!) relative to the windings 276-278 to effect the production of a net voltage across the secondary windings 277 and 278 that is representative of the magnitude of the depression. of the platform 25. The voltage signal produced across the output of the detector transformer 27% is fed to the audio amplifier 37%, which transmits the amplified signal to the classifying circuit 39b for impressing the voltage signal simultaneously on the grids of the thyratron tubes 39]; and 3922.

Assuming for the purpose of the present discussion that the solenoid 325 of the reject mechanism E is connected to the electronic control unit D as underweight solenoid 325a. If the package advancing across the weighing platform 25 is an underweight package, [the signal transmitted by the amplifier 370 is insufllcient to fire either the thynatron tube 391 or the thyratron tube 392. Hence, the thyratron tubes 391 and 3% do not conduct and the relays 425i and 434} in their respective plate circuits will not be energized.

As the imderweight pachage is discharged from the weighing device C onto the rollers 36% of the reject mechanism E, the package interrupts the beam of light projected by the lamp 40 toward the phototube 45. As a consequence thereof, the tube 441 of the timing circuit Edi) conducts and renders the normally conducting tube M2 non-conductive Thereupon, the normally energized relay is deenergized. Upon the deenergization of the relay ass, contacts 452 close and contacts 453 break. The closing of contacts 452 completes an energizing circuit for the solenoid 325a over the following path: ground, solenoid 325a, contacts 421, contacts 431, contacts 452 and the power supply 351. The energization of the solenoid 325a causes the reject door 315 to pivot about the axis of the shaft 316 to permit the under-weight package advancing on the rollers 3528 to be discharged into the chute 330. After the underweight package falls into the chute 33%, the tube 442 returns to its normal state and conducts. The tube 441 is rendered non-conductive and the relay b is again energized. The energization of the relay 15d opens the contacts 452 to deenergize the solenoid 325a.

In case the package advancing across the weighing platform 25 is of a desired Weight, the signal transmitted by the amplifier 37b is suffioient to fire hhe lthyratron tube 391, but is insuificient to fire the thyratron tube 392. The conduction of the thyratron tube 391 causes the relay 4% to be energized. Upon the energization of the relay 42b, contacts 4-21 break to prevent the energization of the solenoid 3255a over the previously mentioned path. Thus, the solenoid 325a does not operate. Consequently, the desired weigh-t package advances on the rollers 3% over the reject door 315 and onto the rollers 399 for disdharge onto a loading platform, not shown.

As the desired weight package is discharged from the weighing device C onto the rollers 3% of the reject mechanism E, the package interrupts the beam of light projected toward the phototube 45. Consequently, the tube Ml conducts and renders the normally conducting tube 442 non-conductive. Thereupon, the relay 450 is deenergized to open contacts 453. The opening of contacts 453 enables the capacitor 48% to charge to the plate potential through the conduction of the thyr atron tube 391. After sufficient time has elapsed to permit the desired weight package to advance beyond the reject door 315, the tube 442 returns to its normal state and conducts. As a result, the tube 441 is rendered non-c-onduotive and the relay 4% is again energized. Upon the relay 45th being energized, contacts 4522 close for the instantaneous discharge of the capacitor 480, which results in extinguishing the thyratron tube 391. The relay 420 is again deenergized.

If the package advancing across the weighing platform 25 is an overweight package, the signal transmitted by the amplifier 37G causes the thyratron tubes 391 and 392 to conduct. This results in the energization of the relays 42d and 43%. Upon the ener-gization of the relays 420 and 430, contacts 421 and 4311 open to prevent the operation of the solenoid 325a. As a result, the overweight package advances on the rollers 368 over the reject door 13' 3115 and onto the rollers 309 for discharge onto a loading platform, not shown.

As the overweight package is discharged from the weighing device C onto the rollers 3% of the reject mechanism E, the package interrupts the beam of light projected toward the pho-totube 45. Consequently, the tube 441 conducts and renders the tube 442 nonconductive. Tl1ereupon,-the relay dSll is deenergized to open contacts 453. The opening of the contacts 453 enables the capacitors 48d and 4 81 to charge to the plate potential through the conduction of the thyratron tubes 391 and 3 92, respectively. After sufiicient time has elapsed to permit the overweight package to advance beyond the reject door 315', the tube will returns to its normal state and conducts. As a result thereof, the tube iel is rendered non-conductive and the relay 45d is again energized. Upon the relay 675d being energized, the contacts 453 close for the instantaneous discharge of the capacitors 48d and 4&1, which results in the extinguishing of the thynatron tubes 391 and 392. The relays 421i and 43% are then deenergized.

When the solenoid 325 is connected to the electronic control unit D as solenoid 3251), the packages of the desired weight will be discharged into the chute 33%} and the packages that are underweight or overweight will advance onto the rollers for discharge to a loading platform, not shown. As previously described, if the package of the desired weight advances across the weighing platform '25, the signal transmitted by the amplifier 37b is of suflicient magnitude to fire the thyratron tube 391, but is insufiicient in magnitude to overcome the bias on the thyratron tube 392. Thus, the thyratron tube 39-1 conducts, but the thyratron tube 392 remains non-conductive. Therefore, the relay 420 is operated to close contacts 42d and the relay @36- remains deenergized. As the package of desired weight is discharged from the weighing platform 25, it interrupts the beam of light projected toward the phototube 45. Consequently, the tube 441 conducts and the tube i l2 is rendered non-conductive. This results in the relay 456 being deenergized and the contacts 452 closing to complete an energizing circuit for the solenoid 32% over the following path: ground, relay 325b, contacts 424, contacts 431i, contacts 452 and the power supply 351. The energization of the solenoid 3251) causes the reject door 315 to pivot about the axis of the shaft 316 to permit the package of desired weight advancing on the rollers 33% to be discharged into the chute 330.

After the desired weight package falls into the chute 33%, the tube 442 returns to its normal state and conducts. The tube 441 is rendered non-conductive and the relay 45% is again energized. Upon the energization of relay 450, contacts 452- break to release the solenoid 32512 and the contacts 453 close for the instantaneous discharge of the capacitor 430. The discharge of the capacitor idd results in the extinguishment of the thyratron tube 391, thereby deenergizing the relay 42h.

In case an underweight package advances across the weighing platform 25, the signal transmitted by the amplifier are is of insullicient magnitude to fire either the thyratron tube 391 or the thyratron tube 392. Consequently, the relay 42% remains deenergized and the contacts 424- are open. Since the contacts 424 are open, the solenoid 3255b remains deenergized. Therefore, the underweight package advances on the rollers 3% over the reject door 315 and onto the rollers 3ll9 for discharge onto a loading platform, not shown.

When an overweight package advances across the weighing platform 25, the signal transmitted by the amplifier 370 is of sufficient magnitude to fire both the thyratron tube 391 and the thyratron tube 392. This results in the relays 42d and 43h being energized. The energization of the relay 430 causes contacts 4-31 to open, thereby preventing the energization of the solenoid 3251;. Consequently, the overweight package advances on the rollers 14 398 over the reject door 315 and onto the rollers 3&9 for discharge onto a loading platform, not shown. The thyratron tubes 391 and 392 extinguish in a manner above described, which results in the deenergization of the relays 42d and 436).

When the solenoid 325 is connected to the electronic control unit D as solenoid 325a, the over-weight packages will be discharged into the chute 330. The desired Weight and underweight packages will advance onto the rollers 309 for discharge to a loading platform, not shown. As an overweight package advances across the weighing platform 25, the amplifier 3'70 transmits a signal to the classifying circuit 3% that is of sufiicient magnitude to fire both the thyratron tube 391 and the thyratron tube 392. The conduction of the thyratron tubes 391 and 3%92 causes the relays 42d and 43% to be energized. Upon energizing relay 43%, contacts 434 close to prepare an operating circuit for the solenoid 3250.

As the overweight package is discharged from the platform 25 onto the rollers 3%, the light beam projected toward the phototube 4-5 is interrupted. The phototube emits a signal to cause the triode tube 441 to conduct, thereby rendering the triode tube 442 non-conductive. When the triode tube 442 is non-conductive, the relay 45b is deenergized. Consequently, contacts 453 close to complete an operating circuit for the solenoid 3250 over the following path: ground, solenoid 3250, contacts 4-34, contacts 452, and power supply 351. The energizetion of the solenoid 325s results in the pivoting of the door 315 so that the overweight package is advanced from the rollers 3% into the chute 33%.

The deenergization of the relay 450 opened contacts 4-53, thereby permitting the capacitors 48ft and 481 to charge to plate potential through their associated conducting thyratron tubes 391 and 392. After sufficient time has elapsed for the overweight package to be discharged into the chute 339, the triode tube 44-2 returns to its normally conducting state, thereby rendering the tube 44-1 non-conductive. This also results in the relay 450 being again energized. Upon the energization of the relay 45d, contacts 451 break to release the solenoid 3250 and the door 315 is returned to its normal position. Contacts E53 close to cause the capacitors 480 and 481 to be instantaneously discharged, which results in the extinguishment of the thyratron tubes 391 and 392. As a consequence thereof, the relays 4 20 and 433 are again deenergized.

ln case an underweight package advances across the weighing platform 25, the signal transmitted by the amplifier 370 is insufficient in magnitude to fire either the thyratron tube 3811 or the thyratron tube 392'. Therefore, the relay 43%) remains deenergized and contacts 434 are open. Since contacts 434 are open, the solenoid 325a remains deenergized. Hence, an underweight package advances over the rollers 308, across the door 315 and onto the rollers 309' for discharge onto a loading platform, not shown.

if the package advancing across the weighing platform 25 is of a desired weight, the amplifier 370 causes the thyratron tube 3-91 to conduct, but is insufiicient in magnitude to cause the thyratron tube 392 to conduct. Thus, the relay 43b remains deenergized and contacts 434 are open. With contacts 434 open, the solenoid 325s remains deenergized. Therefore, a package of desired weight advances over the rollers 3%, across the door 315 and onto the rollers 3&9 for discharge onto a loading platform, not shown. The thyratron tube 391 is extinguished and the relay 4-20 is deenergized in a manner previously described.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the present invention provides a particulanly effective Weight checking apparatus. The torsion bar provides a means of preloading the scale platform that is more effective than any previously known. The scale which supports the articles on two relatively narrow bars, and the two nar- 15 row belts which cooperate with the bars to position the article for weighing makes possible an extremely accurate weighing operation. Further, the use of separate subframes for each operating unit results in a weight checking apparatus that is easy to assemble and service.

It will be under-stood that modifications and variations of the invention disclosed herein may be resorted to without departing fromthe spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we clm'm as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for weighing moving articles comprising a frame, a scale assembly comprising two spaced, relatively narrow parallel support bars defining a load receiving platform, spring means yieldably supporting said bars, and first and second rollers mounted on said frame adjacent the entrance and exit ends of said support bars respectively, a third roller longitudinally spaced from said first roller, a pair of relatively narrow belts trained over said first and second rollers and hav ng upper reaches riding over said support bars for carrying articles over said scale assembly, article delivery belt means trained over said third and first rollers, said delivery belt means and said scale belts being disposed in interfitting relation at said first roller, and means for driving said first roller and hence both said scale belts and said article delivery belt means, so that the upper reaches of said scale belts are substantially relieved of driving tension except that directly imposed by the articles and said article delivery belt means develops the tension necessary to supply articles to said scale belts.

2. In a weighing apparatus, a plurality of endless narrow belts having horizontal runs for advancing articles along a predetermined path, said runs being spaced apart in a direction transversely to said predetermined path, means for engaging said belts to adjust the transverse distance therebetween for accommodating dilferent size articles, a scale platform comprising a plurality of narrow horizontal runners disposed under the horizontal runs of said belts for supporting articles advanced by said runs, means mounting said runners for movement in a direction transversely to said predetermined path and into transverse alignment with said belts, and means yieldably supporting said platform, whereby said platform is movable downwardly by the weight of an article passing thereacross while resting on said belts.

3. An adjustable lightweight scale platform and conveyor assembly for weighing moving articles comprising two spaced, narrow parallel bars for supporting articles to be weighed, a plurality of transverse rods interconnecting said bars, means oper-atively connected to said bars and to said rods to yieldably support said platform, said bars being laterally adjustable on said rods, a transverse roll-er at each end of said bars, said rollers having a smooth peripheral surface, a pair of narrow fiat'belts trained over said rollers and passing along said bars, means for laterally shifting said belt along the smooth surface of said rollers and into lateral alignment wtih said bars and means to drive one of said rollers.

4. Apparatus for weighing moving articles comprising a frame, a scale assembly comprising two spaced, narrow parallel support bars defining a load receiving plaform, weight responsive means yieldably supporting said bars on said frame, means mounting said bars for lateral adjustment on said weight responsive means, first and second rollers mounted on said frame adjacent the entrance and exit ends of said support bars, respectively, a third roller longitudinally spaced from said first roller, all of said rollers having smooth peripheral surfaces, 21 pair of relatively narrow scale belts trained over said first and second rollers and having upper reaches riding over said support bars for carrying articles over said scale assembly, means for laterally shifting said scale belts along the smooth surfaces of said first and second rollers, 21. pair of article delivery belts trained over said third and first rollers, means for laterally shifting said delivery belts along the smooth surfaces of said first and third rollers, and means for driving said first roller and hence both said scale belts an said article delivery belts.

5. Apparatus for weighing moving articles comprising a f ame, a scale assembly comprising two spaced, narrow parallel support bars defining a load receiving platform, veight responsive means yieldably supporting said bars on said frame, means mounting said bars for lateral adjustment on said firame, means mounting said bars for lateral adjustment on said weight responsive means, and first and second scale rollers mounted on said frame adjacent the entrance and exit ends of said support bars, respectively, a third roller longitudinally spaced from said first scale roller, all of said rollers having smooth peripheral surfaces, a pair of relatively narrow scale belts trained over said first and second rollers and having upper reaches riding over said support bars for carrying articles over said scale assembly, a flanged pulley for guiding the lower reach of each scale belt, means for laterally shifting said flanged pulleys to move said scale belts along the smooth surfaces of said first and second rollers, a pair of article delivery belts having upper reaches trained over third and first rollers, a flanged pulley for guiding the lower reach of each delivery belt, means for laterally shifting said latter flanged pulleys to move said delivery belts along the smooth surfaces of said first and third rollers, and means for driving one of said scale rollers.

References tilted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 167,519 Fowler Sept. 7, 1875 1,868,538 McKee July 26, 1932 1,999,827 Wardley Apr. 30, 1935 2,016,789 Newhaus Oct. '18, 1935 2,563,255 Schieser Sept. 18, 1951 2,633,972 Capstack Apr. 7, 1953 2,649,294 Walter Aug. 18, 1953 2,725,974 Shields Dec. 6, 1955 2,784,958 Brykett Mar. 12, 1957 2,785,787 Leavens Mar. 19, 1957 2,905,310 toeckel Sept. 22, 1959 2,938,626 Dahrns May 31, 1960 2,954,969 McCullough Oct. 4, 1960 3,017,026 Thompson Ian. 16, 1962 

1. APPARATUS FOR WEIGHING MOVING ARTICLES COMPRISING A FRAME, A SCALE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING TWO SPACED, RELATIVELY NARROW PARALLEL SUPPORT BARS DEFINING A LOAD RECEIVING PLATFORM, SPRING MEANS YIELDABLY SUPPORTING SAID BARS, AND FIRST AND SECOND ROLLERS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME ADJACENT THE ENTRANCE AND EXIT ENDS OF SAID SUPPORT BARS RESPECTIVELY, A THIRD ROLLER LONGITUDINALLY SPACED FROM SAID FIRST ROLLER, A PAIR OF RELATIVELY NARROW BELTS TRAINED OVER SAID FIRST AND SECOND ROLLERS AND HAVING UPPER REACHES RIDING OVER SAID SUPPORT BARS FOR CARRYING ARTICLES OVER SAID SCALE ASSEMBLY, ARTICLE DELIVERY BELT MEANS TRAINED OVER SAID THIRD AND FIRST ROLLERS, SAID DELIVERY BELT MEANS AND SAID SCALE BELTS BEING DISPOSED IN INTERFITTING RELATION AT SAID FIRST ROLLER, AND MEANS FOR DRIVING SAID FIRST ROLLER AND HENCE BOTH SAID SCALE BELTS AND SAID ARTICLE DELIVERY BELT MEANS, SO THAT THE UPPER REACHES OF SAID SCALE BELTS ARE SUBSTANTIALLY RELIEVED OF DRIVING TENSION EXCEPT THAT DIRECTLY IMPOSED BY THE ARTICLES AND SAID ARTICLE DELIVERY BELT MEANS DEVELOPS THE TENSION NECESSARY TO SUPPLY ARTICLES TO SAID SCALE BELTS. 